Open AccessInformation behaviour of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a case study
Author(s) -
Raquel Chávez,
Martha Sabelli
Publication year - 2020
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
DOI - 10.47989/irisic2014
Subject(s) - autism spectrum disorder , autism , psychology , sample (material) , qualitative research , field (mathematics) , welfare , information sharing , applied psychology , developmental psychology , computer science , world wide web , sociology , social science , political science , chemistry , mathematics , chromatography , pure mathematics , law
. This investigation focuses on the information behaviour of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) inside an organisation (Aletea) located in Montevideo-Uruguay. This study aims to make visible the information needs these parents experience when making decisions for their children’s welfare. It is the first phase of an investigation to provide an indepth comparison with other countries.Method. A literature review, database analyses and web searches were done to standardise the current work with the methodology of the field. Also, with a convenience sample, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted among parents of this organisation.Analysis. Qualitative analyses were carried out as all the interviews were recorded on audio with prior consent of the interviewees. The questions were classified into categories and sub-categories for a better understanding of the results.Results. Parents' information practices demonstrate obstacles and difficulties in seeking and accessing available and reliable sources regarding autism spectrum disorder. The lack of information generated at local levels leads to consulting and sharing information with their closest contacts and social networks, especially their peers in parent groups.Conclusion. It is considered necessary to continue with this line of research both in Uruguay and around the world since there is a lack of studies on this subject.